In the 12 years since American troops were first deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, more than 2.6 million veterans have returned home to a country largely unprepared to meet their needs. Veterans who survived Taliban and Al Qaida attacks, roadside bombs, mortar fire, and the deaths of fellow soldiers will return to an everyday 9 to 5 world. As practitioners from all disciplines, or as veterans and friends, family and employers, what can be done to better manage this transition?

Attend the Event

Learn skills and grapple with these issues by attending “From War to Workforce: Assisting Veterans as They Reintegrate Into the Workforce” on Friday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., University of Maryland School of Social Work, 525 W. Redwood St., Baltimore, Md., 21201.

Speakers & Hosts

The event, will be led by professors Deborah Gioia, PhD, LCSW-C, Jodi Frey, PhD, MSW, and Jesse Harris, PhD of the School of Social Work. At least 10 other leaders in the field from across the nation are participating including the University of Southern California’s director of a nationally recognized institute on vets and their families, Anthony Hassan, MSW, EdD.

Charles Hoge, MD, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.), author of Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior will be signing his book and presenting on mind, body, and war. The sponsor, Prudential Financial, says it is the first conference in the region with a focus on employment and veterans issues.

Event Topics

The event will address topics such as military sexual assault, suicide prevention, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and will answer questions such as: “How to support veterans and their families,” and “How the brain and body are affected by war.” One breakout session deals with rural settings, with presenters who work on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Lunch will be provided, and there will be vendors and book signings.

CEUs & Fees

Individuals can attend all or part of the day. Social workers wanting CEUs will be charged $95; other professionals who are not earning CEUs will pay $45. Veterans and students from all UMB schools may attend for free.